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Class 1A has long been known for producing championship-caliber teams, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be another exciting one. From defending state contenders to emerging programs on the rise, this year's preseason Top 25 features teams with a strong blend of returning experience, talented underclassmen, and proven postseason success. Our rankings are based solely on performances and information available prior to July 1st, 2026, meaning any races or results after that

While the teams ranked in our preseason Top 25 enter the season with the highest expectations, they are far from the only programs capable of making an impact this fall. Illinois Class 1A is filled with talented squads that narrowly missed the rankings and have the potential to emerge as contenders as the season progresses. The teams featured below were not included in our preseason rankings but had their coaches complete the preseason questionnaire that was sent via email, a

Class 1A has long been known for producing championship-caliber teams, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be another exciting one. From defending state contenders to emerging programs on the rise, this year's preseason Top 25 features teams with a strong blend of returning experience, talented underclassmen, and proven postseason success. Our rankings are based solely on performances and information available prior to July 1st, 2026, meaning any races or results after that

While the teams ranked in our preseason Top 25 enter the season with the highest expectations, they are far from the only programs capable of making an impact this fall. Illinois Class 1A is filled with talented squads that narrowly missed the rankings and have the potential to emerge as contenders as the season progresses. The teams featured below were not included in our preseason rankings but had their coaches complete the preseason questionnaire that was sent via email, a

The Illinois middle school boys cross country scene continues to grow stronger every year, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be another exciting one. With returning state contenders, talented young runners, and several deep teams ready to make their mark, the battle for the top spots should be highly competitive throughout the fall. In this preseason ranking, we take a look at the Top 25 Illinois Middle School Boys Cross Country Teams entering the 2026 season. These rankin

The Illinois middle school girls cross country scene continues to grow stronger every year, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be another exciting one. With returning state contenders, talented young runners, and several deep teams ready to make their mark, the battle for the top spots should be highly competitive throughout the fall. In this preseason ranking, we take a look at the Top 25 Illinois Middle School Girls Cross Country Teams entering the 2026 season. These rank

Few states can match the depth and quality of Illinois Class 3A boys cross country, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be another unforgettable one. The classification is loaded with returning All-State finishers, state medalists, nationally recognized athletes, and a deep group of runners ready to emerge as contenders. Our preseason rankings highlight the top 25 individuals entering the 2026 cross country season based solely on performances achieved prior to July 1st, 2026

Class 3A once again features one of the strongest collections of distance running talent in the country, making the 2026 season one of the most anticipated in recent memory. The classification is loaded with returning All-State performers, state champions, national-caliber athletes, and a wave of emerging stars who are poised for breakout seasons. Our preseason rankings highlight the top 25 individuals entering the 2026 cross country season based solely on performances achiev

Class 2A has developed into one of the deepest and most competitive classifications in Illinois, and the 2026 season promises to continue that trend. With returning All-State finishers, state qualifiers, and a talented group of athletes coming off impressive track campaigns, the battle among the state's top runners should be fierce from the opening weekend through the IHSA State Finals. Our preseason rankings highlight the top 25 individuals entering the 2026 cross country se

Class 2A enters the 2026 cross country season with an outstanding mix of proven veterans and emerging talent, setting the stage for what should be an exciting race throughout the fall. Returning All-State finishers, state qualifiers, and athletes coming off breakthrough track seasons headline a deep field that is capable of producing memorable performances. Our preseason rankings highlight the top 25 individuals entering the 2026 season based solely on performances achieved p

Class 1A has consistently produced some of Illinois' most exciting distance runners, and the 2026 season looks no different. With returning All-State finishers, state qualifiers, and a talented group of emerging underclassmen, the battle for individual honors should be one of the highlights of the fall. Our preseason rankings recognize the top 25 athletes entering the 2026 cross country season based solely on performances achieved prior to July 1st, 2026, meaning any races or

The race for the IHSA Class 1A Girls State Championship should be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with a blend of returning All-State performers, experienced veterans, and rising young stars leading the way. Throughout Illinois, athletes have built impressive resumes through success in cross country, track and field, and postseason competition, making this one of the deepest classes in the state. Our preseason rankings highlight the top 25 individuals entering t

Illinois has become one of the nation's premier states for developing distance running talent, and this year's middle school boys class is another example of the bright future ahead. From state champions and national-caliber performers to athletes who enjoyed breakout track and cross country campaigns, the depth across the state is remarkable. Our preseason rankings highlight the top 25 middle school boys entering the 2026 cross country season based solely on performances ach

As another Illinois cross country season approaches, a new wave of middle school talent is ready to make its mark. Across the state, these athletes have already put together impressive resumes through standout performances in cross country, track and field, and national-level competition, setting the stage for what should be an exciting fall. Our preseason rankings highlight the top 25 middle school girls entering the 2026 season based solely on performances achieved prior to

PHIL CUPIAL 4:00.4 RACE VIDEO WOMENS ELITE MAGIS MILES RACE VIDEO MAGIS MILES PHOTOS FESTIVAL OF MILES PHOTOS

1A State Prelims by Carson Vittorio 2A/3A State Prelims by Carson Vittorio State Boys Finals by Carson Vittorio Friday and Saturday State Boys by Cam Zurek Thursday, Friday, and Saturday by Noelan Tossing Thursday and Friday by Ian Adler State Boys Finals by Ian Adler State Prelims by Emily Gee State Finals by Emily Gee Digi Cam by Brodie Peterson

100m The 1A 100m this year is going to be a pretty tight race for top 3. Kamden Flenner of Tuscola is one of the co-favorites to win this event. Flenners ran a 10.39 way back in April and has had multiple sub 10.80 performances. Flenner did not qualify for state last year and has had a massive senior year. He will face a tough field and will have to repeat his previous performance to have a shot at winning. Brady Anderson of Morrison is the defending 1A state champion and is

100m This is going to be one of the closest 100m State Final races we have ever seen. There are many athletes that are within milliseconds of each other. Realistically, any of the athletes mentioned here could take the title, as long as they have a good day on Finals day. The first contender is the only returning All-Stater from last year, Jaiduan Cranford of Metamora. Cranford was the early season favorite, as he smoked the field at IL Top Times. Not to mention, he still has

100m Marcellus Moore's state record of 10.31 has stood as the gold standard of Illinois sprinting, but it may not survive this weekend. Bennett Konkey of Geneva arrives as the favorite and the biggest threat to that mark, and his resume this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. The senior never even qualified for state a year ago, yet here he stands as the most dominant sprinter in Illinois, owning a blistering 10.25 PR that is not only the fastest in the state thi

1A Prelims by Carson Vittorio 1A Prelims by Jaliyah Wright 2A/3A Prelims By Carson Vittorio 2A/3A Prelims By Ian Adler 2A/3A Prelims By Noelan Tossing State Finals By Carson Vittorio State Finals By Ian Adler State Finals By Jaliyah Wright State Finals By Noelan Tossing